Resources
In our blog, we deliver insights and information concerning key topics, trends, and issues affecting your global business.
Why the Recent Mediterranean Gas Discovery Presents Global Opportunities
In February of 2023, Chevron announced the approved budget for the Leviathan Project, a reservoir development located six miles off the coast of Israel in “one of the world’s largest deep-water gas discoveries of 2000-2010”. In 2019, after 9 years of construction, the reservoir was completed producing 12 billion cu m/year of gas for sale in Egypt, Israel, and Jordan.
How Japan’s Aging Population Presents Growth Opportunities for Foreigners
Japan, known for its rich cultural heritage, technological advancements, and economic prowess, is facing a formidable challenge in the form of a labor shortage. The aging population of workers has created an urgent need for foreign labor and international companies to bolster the workforce, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Navigating Expansion: U.S. Associations and the Middle East
Expanding operations and establishing international chapters are often key objectives for U.S. associations seeking to grow their reach and impact. However, when considering expansion into the Middle East, your association may be hesitant due to concerns about social issues in certain countries.
Convincing Your Leadership That Now is the Time to Go Global
Expanding a business globally can be a daunting task, but the benefits can be significant. It can increase revenue, reduce risk, and provide access to new markets, talent, and resources.
How SMEs Should Approach Global Expansion (and Avoid Being Overwhelmed)
Going global can be confusing and daunting for any small and medium-sized business (SME) owner. With so many considerations to take into account, it’s no wonder that many entrepreneurs become overwhelmed by the idea of expanding their operations beyond their home country.
How to Protect Your Company from Costly Expansion Missteps
When it comes to expanding globally, the importance of making smart market selection decisions cannot be overstated. Not only does a wrong choice expose your company to potential financial losses, but it can also damage your brand reputation and make investors wary.
Core Values as a Cultural Bridge
Picture your typical business gathering of two hundred leaders in a hotel ballroom. Round tables, water pitchers, a stage with flip charts and a PowerPoint. You’ve probably been in a room just like that many times.
Global Expansion and the Role of Market Research for Strategic Planning
Expanding globally is an exciting opportunity, but it is not without its challenges. A successful global expansion requires careful planning and execution. Strategic planning is crucial to ensure that your company is ready to take on the global market and achieve its goals. Are you ready to go global?
Why the U.S. Southeast May Be Optimal for Your American Soft Landing
In this blog, we will explore the industries that are growing the fastest and the incentives that your company has available to take advantage of when expanding to the Southeastern United States.
Why Are Colombians Considering Diversification?
In recent years, geopolitical uncertainty has become a significant driver for individuals and businesses looking to diversify their assets and mitigate risks. One country that has been experiencing such uncertainty is Colombia, which has seen a significant shift in its political landscape in recent years.
The Rise of Hemp and Other Emerging Industries in the U.S.
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, more commonly known as the Farm Bill, was signed into law on December 20, 2018. This omnibus legislation governs a wide range of agricultural and rural policies, including crop insurance, conservation, research and development, rural development, nutrition assistance programs, and commodity programs.
Creating a Roadmap for Global Growth through Digital Transformation
In today’s rapidly changing business landscape, digital transformation has become a critical driver of progress and global growth. The ability to quickly pivot and adapt to new trends, technologies, and customer preferences is essential for staying competitive.
Making Food and Agricultural Supply Chains More Resilient Works
Today, the global food and agricultural industries have become more interconnected, data-driven, competitive, and inseparably linked, making it increasingly important for executives in these industries to develop their global strategy with supply chain resiliency in mind.
How You Can Embrace Sustainable Development
As the global economy continues to expand and organizations look to international markets for growth opportunities, there is an increasing focus on sustainable development.
How Professional Development Can Make a Global Impact on Your Team
Professional development can make a big impact on the success of your team, whether they’re looking to improve their skillset, refine their knowledge of international business etiquette, or gain insight into different cultures around the world.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) in a Global Context
In recent years, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) has become an increasingly important issue for companies and nonprofits, including nonprofit associations, in the United States. But many leaders of associations struggle to attract and retain minority board members, leaders, and employees.
Unlocking Global Expansion Opportunities
As the new year unfolds, it’s essential for business leaders to have an even greater understanding of the global issues that will shape this year and beyond. From the continued fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic to the growing awareness of climate change and sustainability initiatives, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of these factors when planning global expansion and market exploration strategies.
Global Recap 2022
We present you with five themes that you focused on this year with our highlights and predictions for the New Year.
A World Cup 2022 Lesson on Culture
Football is a sport SHARED by the world. These World Cup games, hosted by a non-Western nation, have reminded us how important it is to research and try to appreciate cultural nuances even if we don’t agree or fully understand them.
5 Ways to Recession-Proof Your Business
You’re likely seeing headline after headline about imminent layoffs, hiring freezes, and general uncertainty that seems to affect all sectors from tech to politics.
The Outlook for Global Business Remains Strong
Is your organization hesitant to expand globally since the pandemic? Are current geopolitical tensions forcing you to reconsider your strategic planning and expansion initiatives?
Starbucks’ Failure to Recognize Culture Down Under
Going global requires smart, strategic planning and market research. Here’s a common challenge some companies face amid new market expansion and tips on how to address it early on.
4 Fast Growing Markets in Africa
While you should consider risks in any market around the world, there are also plenty of reasons why expanding your operations to Africa could benefit your business. You should also consider the risk of not entering African markets or entering too late.
Identifying Your International Approach from the Start is Critical
If you’re considering taking your organization into a new market, having a strategy, plan, roadmap, or whatever you want to call it, is critical. A key part of your strategy is figuring out what type of international company you currently are and the type you strive to be in the future.
5 Steps to Develop Your Global Mindset
Today, more than ever, differences in culture and a lack of empathy and understanding among populations around the world have contributed to war, the global COVID-19 pandemic response, hatred, poverty, misunderstanding, and so much more.
Has Mexico Become a New Hub for Manufacturing?
Regardless of where you live, you are familiar with the “Made in China” tags included on many products you use. The reason why it is so common is that for years China has been the most significant manufacturing hub across the globe.
Lessons From Walmart and Amazon’s Failures in Asia
Businesses searching for bottom-line growth often look to entice new consumers in markets where they don’t already have a presence.
Vietnam – The Budding Machinery and Manufacturing Powerhouse in Asia
Vietnam’s economy has significantly grown over the last several years. It’s a market you should seriously consider if you’re seeking new opportunities in Southeast Asia, particularly if your business involves manufacturing.
Business Consulting Services: How Change Management Can Help Your Organization
Over the last quarter-century, change management has grown and developed as a discipline. According to several studies, for changes to be effective, business leaders must prepare, enable, and assist individuals who are going through transitions so that they may completely embrace change.
Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Your Association Goes Global
Many association leaders may consider expanding internationally as a way to generate sustainable revenue, grow their membership, and expand their mission’s reach – but such expansions can be costly and complex.
5 Tips When Expanding into New Markets
Business leaders are always looking for that “next big thing” and opportunities to extend the reach of their products and services to new customers.
Top 10 Reasons to Do Business in Singapore
Investing in Southeast Asia is complex, but Singapore offers solutions for foreign investors and businesses seeking a low-risk, high-return opportunity.
Impact of U.S.-Russia Sanctions on U.S. Association Industry
What do U.S.-Russia sanctions mean for Association leaders with members and activities in Russia?
3 Hot Markets Beyond BRICS
Fast-growing emerging markets like Vietnam and Chile, and “emerged” economies like Singapore are prime locations for expanding your business.
How to Know When Going Global Makes Sense for Your Business
Going global is exciting and could be the bridge to limitless opportunities for your business but it’s not for everyone.
Nearshoring: An Alternative Sourcing Strategy in a Pandemic World
Of the many challenges posed by the pandemic, the challenge of deciding where to source information or resources remains large.
Top 10 International Business Etiquette Tips
Knowing the proper etiquette (or good manners) is very important as a professional traveling internationally, especially during a global pandemic. Are you contemplating this as part of your strategic planning?
4 Insights into the International Future for Associations
Based on Factum Global “2021 & Beyond Survey Findings.”
How the Six Paths to Leadership Impact Global Success
We recently interviewed Dr. Mark Clark, co-author of “Six Paths to Leadership” about the release of his new book and the implications of his findings on global leadership.
Why Going Global Drives Sustainable Growth
If you tried taking your brand abroad, you know how hard it can be. But don’t let that stop you from exploring the vast opportunities of globalization.
Why Our Unique Approach to Internationalization Works
We know internationalization is a daunting and complex process in the post-COVID world. At Factum Global, we pride ourselves in simplifying the process.
Seizing Opportunity: The International Future for Associations
Factum Global released the results of its “2021 and Beyond” survey at the “Seizing Opportunity: The International Future for Associations” webinar.
Thriving Internationally in Times of COVID-19 and Beyond (Fall 2020)
Watch the session recording here
Press releases, media advisories, and corporate news
September 14, 2023
Sustainability Expert Joins Factum Global as Associate Consultant
Ms.Buchmann brings more than 13 years of social sustainability expertise and a record of facilitating change initiatives within a variety of organizations using “human-centered design,” an approach that involves diverse stakeholder perspectives at all stages.
September 7, 2023
The Importance of Cultural Humility in Global Business
In the pursuit of global expansion, organizations encounter both growth opportunities and cultural intricacies. Read this Feature Article by contributor Francisco Gomez, Founder & CEO.
Published by Boardroom.
July 11, 2023
Experts to Join Factum Global as Associate Consultants
We are delighted to welcome Miranda and Ben, and add their diverse backgrounds as we continue to deepen our subject-matter expertise and expand the breadth of our firm.
April 8, 2023
¿Cómo creen los empresarios que será su futuro con la inteligencia artificial?
La firma Factum Global, dedicada a asesorar la internacionalización de empresas originalmente basadas en Estados Unidos y Colombia, presentó recientemente su encuesta bianual de sentimiento empresarial, en la que esta vez incluyó un módulo sobre el futuro y la inteligencia artificial.
Publicado por Cambio (Colombia)
April 6, 2023
Factum Global Wins Global Excellence Award
The Global Chamber® Global Innovation and Excellence Member Award is given annually to companies around the world that exemplify global innovation and excellence with growth, success, creativity, community leadership, and impact.
April 3, 2023
Associations Are Positive About the Future of Global Work
Factum Global, an international consulting firm that specializes in helping organizations expand and operate across global markets, conducted their latest bi-annual Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey to assess the outlook for global business, highlighting the future of global work.
Published by Boardroom.
March 29, 2023
Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey Executive Outlook on Global Work
While geopolitical concerns, global conflict, financial market volatility, and macroeconomic uncertainties persist, 78% of business executives still have a positive outlook toward global business, up 11% from the Fall 2022 survey.
March 1, 2023
Blackpol Colombia and Factum Global Announce Strategic Alliance
The partnership enables Blackpol to complement its existing capacity by extending Factum Global’s U.S. expertise and presence to Colombian individuals and businesses seeking expansion assistance.
February 6, 2023
Why Going Global Might Require Some DEI Tweaks
United States-based associations looking to expand want to preserve their DEI goals, but some don’t always translate. Take the time to understand others’ perspectives, one expert suggests.
Published by AssociationsNOW.
October 11, 2022
Globalisation Is Good For Business, According To Report
Factum Global shared the results of their bi-annual Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey and found that 78% of respondents thought globalisation is good for business.
Published by Boardroom Magazine.
October 6, 2022
Factum Global Survey Reveals a Strong Global Business Outlook
The bi-annual survey shows that 73% of respondents will continue or plan to increase international activities over the next six months.
September 5, 2022
First Steps for Going Global
Taking your mission outside the United States can be full of uncertainty, but so can standing put. Factum Global CEO Francisco Gomez shares some advice for starting the process.
Published by AssociationsNOW.
June 2, 2022
American University’s Dr. Mark A. Clark to Join Factum
Global as Advisor/Consultant
Dr. Clark to advise on organizational change process & implementation, leadership development.
April 18, 2022
Going Global Amid Global Chaos?
Is now the time for associations to expand internationally? The answer is yes. In this article, we make a compelling case for nonprofit association leaders to embrace new sustainable revenue opportunities that leverage impact on a global scale.
October 19, 2021
Factum Global Debuts Advisory Board
Advisory Board members Doug Collier, Aseem Goyal, Madeleine Jacobs, and Peter O’Neil bring a wealth of experience from the corporate and association sectors that will be invaluable as Factum Global continues to scale globally.
April 7, 2021
Paul F. Weintraub and Jeffrey Smith Join Factum Global
Weintraub to lead business development team; Smith appointed as COO, will lead business operations, marketing and communications. Weintraub and Smith add more than 40 years of experience to Factum Global’s Executive Team.
March 11, 2021
Embracing Digital Transformation with a Global Mindset
In this must read article published by Boardroom Magazine, Factum Global’s CEO, Francisco Gomez, shares his views on the intersection of digital transformation and internationalization for Associations’ growth.
February 26, 2021
The Power to Strengthen the World
Factum Global is proud to have partnered with the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) on the first episode of their new “Stronger by Association Podcast” series. The Power to Strengthen the World highlights the impact of associations globally.
February 2, 2021
Hablando con el experto
Advanced Market Research entrevista a Francisco Gomez.
“En corto período de tiempo, el COVID-19 ha impactado formas de vida en todo el mundo. Para consumidores y empresas.”
Global Insider Talks is a video series where we bring you experts from around the world to discuss hot topics, current events, and trends to inform your global expansion initiatives.
September 12, 2023
Building Meaningful Connections for U.S. Businesses in Qatar
Mohammed Barakat, Managing Director & Treasurer of the Board of Directors, US-Qatar Business Council.
Opportunities for growth in Qatar continue in legacy industries, namely oil and gas, and have only recently emerged in e-sports, fintech, media, communications, entertainment, and tourism. If you’re a U.S. business in these sectors or you’re seeking guidance on expanding to the Middle East, Qatar is thriving and must not be overlooked.
August 10, 2023
Promoting Access, Belonging, and Inclusivity
Cordell Carter, Esq., Aspen Institute Executive, Founder of the Festival of the Diaspora.
Access, connection, and beauty are the core tenets of the new and innovative Festival of the Diaspora (FOTD). With its first-ever event in February of 2022, the FOTD is convening North American executives from Fortune 500 companies and global government leaders, with successful, local business owners to bring positive change in cities across Latin America.
July 10, 2023
Making Global Shipping More Sustainable with Eco Delivery
Rebecca Dunn, Sustainable Product Manager, Ocean Team, Maersk. Ross Pruett, Business Development Manager, Retail & Lifestyle, Maersk.
Since 1904, Maersk has supported global supply chains by moving or warehousing goods for its customers around the world. But shipping creates massive amounts of pollution in the environment, and Maersk recognizes its contributions to the global ocean carbon footprint.
June 12, 2023
Internationalization, Localization, and Tips on Scaling Your Business
Liliana Rojas, Head of Vendor Operations, Google (T&S Service Delivery – Play & Android).
Understanding the universal aspects of your business, while localizing your products and services to the market in which you are operating is critical to the success of your brand. At Google, human translation experts and generative AI help the company localize its more than 125 products into 117 languages around the world to create a more meaningful experience for its customers.
May 8, 2023
Disrupting Biotech by Extending the Life of Human Organs
Xiaoxi (Sofie) Wei, Ph.D., CEO & Co-founder of X-Therma, Inc.
Today, roughly 80% of human transplant organs around the world go to waste, with someone on the waitlist dying every hour. And that’s not because there aren’t enough donors in the world, but due to the short lifespan of organs.
April 10, 2023
We ALL Play a Role in Addressing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals
Rachel Bowen Pittman, Executive Director of the United Nations Association of the United States of America, at the U.N. Foundation.
In this interview, learn more about how the grassroots movement of the United Nations Association of the United States of America works through education, volunteerism, and advocacy to address the UN’s SDGs. Work locally, impact globally.
March 13, 2023
Working internationally with integrity
Brian Whisler, Partner, Baker McKenzie.
Expanding your business operations in a new market is an exciting undertaking. When done strategically and with integrity, it can be quite profitable. But business “norms” in some markets are often unique to the market and evolve every day. How can you avoid costly missteps?
February 26, 2023
How to Make It in the U.S. Market
Matthew Sawyer, Author, Columbia University Professor, Business Executive.
If you’ve had business success in your home market and you’re ready to enter the U.S., what are the first steps? The U.S. is not a homogenous country, with 50 states and hundreds of counties and cities.
January 10, 2023
Tax considerations and the evolution of incentives & FDI
Daniel Witt, Co-founder & President, International Tax and Investment Center.
As you develop your global expansion strategy, understanding local tax regulations are critically important to your planning. Knowing what your business must pay to the government where you intend to operate is an essential component to the economics of any project in a new market.
November 7, 2022
Petro’s Colombia, Lula’s Brazil, and the Outlook for Latin America
Sergio Guzmán, Co-founder & Director, Colombia Risk Analysis.
Colombia’s recent election of leftist President Gustavo Petro has worried many about the fate of Colombia as a leading democracy in Latin America. In October, Brazil’s former leftist President Lula narrowly replaced incumbent President Bolsonaro.
November 2, 2022
Expanding to Africa – Risk, Opportunity & Reality
Rubby Golo, Ghana-based Trade & Investment Expert.
Investing in Africa has historically been shrouded in mystery and ultimately deemed too risky for foreign companies. But by 2032, more than half of the world’s labor force will reside in Africa. If now is not the time to explore business opportunities, then when?
October 11, 2022
Covid-19, Healthcare Innovation, and the Biotech Revolution
Phyllis Arthur, VP of Infectious Diseases and Emerging Science Policy, BIO.
The Covid-19 pandemic led to a technological revolution in biotech. Learn more about the innovation in vaccine development, access, and distribution.
September 6, 2022
Why Thailand and Vietnam Stand to Benefit Most from “China Plus One”
Aseem Goyal, International Banking Leader, Advisory Board member.
Vietnam and Thailand stand to benefit the most from the China Plus One strategy, a move by companies to diversify across Asia and be less dependent on China.
August 1, 2022
Why Colombia is an Attractive Nearshoring Destination
Ricardo Pedroza, United States Executive Director, ProColombia.
Bogota, Colombia was recently awarded the “City of Nearshoring” award in 2022 for its top talent, technology & infrastructure, geographic location, and incentives for FDI.
July 12, 2022
Protecting Your Intangible Assets
Dixon Soh, Director HEAD, IP/IA Practice.
Forming your IP strategy and envisioning your IP footprint; understanding local nuances, protections, and risks; sharing enough about your assets during R&D to attract investors, without giving away trade secrets.
June 6, 2022
Culture Matters: What You Need to Know Before Entering New Markets
Desirée Perez, Culture Expert and Coach Community Director, Sayge.
Cultural nuances and considerations when expanding internationally are critical. Form lasting relationships in Latin America that will contribute to your long-term business success.
May 6, 2022
What’s Hot Right Now in Southeast Asia?
Did you know Southeast Asia is open again without Covid restrictions and can provide your business with new growth opportunities right now?
Australian business executive and author Campbell MacKintosh shares his insights on the hot markets and sectors, offers valuable advice for CEOs eyeing the region.
In this section, we provide our Market Spotlight country reports, long-form articles, and research studies.
The Factum Global Business Sentiment Survey is conducted bi-annually to measure and track executive sentiments on global business.
Spring 2023
Executive Outlook on Global Work
Fall 2022
Executive Outlook on Global Business
